Cervical
cancer is the commonest gynaecological cancer in Nigeria
and women of low socio-economic status are at high risk
of this condition. A study was conducted on the
awareness of cervical cancer, attitude towards the
disease and screening practice of women residing in two
urban slums of Lagos, Nigeria. It also determined the
prevalence of major risk factors for cervical cancer
among the women. Multistage sampling was used to select
240 women who were interviewed with a structured
questionnaire and data collected was analyzed with Epi-info
version 3.5.1 statistical software. Only 10 (4.2%) women
in this study were aware of cervical cancer and none of
them believed they were at risk of developing the
disease. Most (73.3%) were willing to undergo a cervical
cancer screening test. Age, education and previous
history of vaginal examination were positively
associated with willingness to undergo screening (p <
0.05). The respondents had a high prevalence of major
risk factors for cervical cancer such as early age at
sexual debut, multiple sexual partners and male partner
with other female partners. Efforts need to be
intensified to increase awareness of this condition and
to promote low-cost cervical cancer screening among this
underserved population (Afr J Reprod Health
2012; 16[1]:75-82).